There’s a rumble in the Joburg jungle

THE first ever Urban Mountain Bike Assault will take place on October 12 in Johannesburg.

Partnering with City Parks and Joburg Zoo, the Urban Mountain Bike Assault has created a route that will turn Johannesburg into the ultimate mountain biker’s playground.

The assault will give participants an all access pass to Joburg’s best green belts with a custom-built course worth over R1,5 million.

The adventure will start at Marks Park in Emmarentia where riders will set off on a cruise over Emmarentia Dam, using a specially created floating bridge. They will then show off some real balls while riding through one of Joburg’s most beautiful golf courses and getting wheels wet through miniature rapids -rolling through storm water drains and venturing into the heart of darkness through a network of tunnels, one nearly a kilometre in length.

Also included in the course are flying over main roads with custom built scaffolding bridges and ramping into vast expanses you never knew existed.

Every jungle comes with a little danger, so the Urban Mountain Bike Assault has spared no expense to keep you safe. There will be rescue divers at the 120m long, deep-water crossing to retrieve you and your bike should you decide to take a proudly South African swim with the ducks.

Three route options are available.

52km: a moderate but exciting route with only three climbs. This route is suitable for all levels of riders.

22km: this shortened route with a little less uphill is suitable for teens, women and first time riders.

1km: fun and easy route through Marks Park for the kiddies.

Prizes to the value of R370 000 are up for grabs for the serious racers, schools and even riders armed with GoPros. There will be prizes in all the age categories, as well as prizes for school teams, best dressed and longest day.

To enter, visit www.MTBassault.co.za or www.cycleevents.co.za. Entry fees are R220 for the 22km and R350 for the 52km.